MEN WHO TERRORISED GLEBELANDS HOSTEL SENTENCED
The Pietermaritzburg High Court has sentenced the eight men convicted in relation to the offences that took place at the Glebelands hostel between 2014 and 2016, to various terms of imprisonment. In October last year, they were convicted on several charges of murder, attempted murder and unlawful possession of a prohibited firearm and ammunition.
The men – Bhekukwazi Mdweshu, Khayelihle Mbuthuma, Vukani Mcobothi, Eugene Hlophe, Mcomekile Ntshangase, Mbuyiselwa Mkhize, Mondli Mthethwa and Bongani Mbhele – all lived at the hostel. Before the incidents, they conspired with each other to eliminate or kill residents of the hostel, who threatened their control of the hostel.
During the period of the offences, the following nine people were killed: Siniko Ncayiyane, Thulani Kati, Sipho Ndovela, Themba Pina, Nkosinathi Ndovela, William Mthembu, Thokozani Machi, Mzwandile Gawuza and Lucky Mtwa. Seven others were injured, resulting in the attempted murder charges.
The convictions are as follows:
Mdweshu was convicted of conspiracy to commit murder and four counts of attempted murder and sentenced to an effective 10 years imprisonment.
Mbuthuma was convicted of three counts of murder and sentenced to an effective term of life imprisonment.
Mcobothi was convicted of conspiracy to commit murder, four counts of attempted murder and three counts of murder and was sentenced to life imprisonment
Hlophe and Ntshangase who were convicted of four counts of attempted murder each, were sentenced to an effective five years imprisonment each.
Mkhize was convicted of two counts of murder and given life imprisonment.
Mthethwa was convicted of two counts of attempted murder, two counts of murder, unlawful possession of a prohibited firearm and ammunition and will serve a term of life imprisonment.
Mbhele was convicted of two counts of murder and was sentenced to an effective life imprisonment.
In sentencing them, the court imposed a term of life imprisonment for each count of murder and where there were more than one count, the sentences were ordered to run concurrently. Regarding the attempted murder charges, the court found that the men were in custody (awaiting trial) for an excess of five years. Therefore, the court imposed a sentence of 10 years imprisonment, where five years were suspended for a period of five years.
The NPA welcomes the successful finalisation of this matter and we trust that the sentences imposed will have a detterent effect on like-minded individuals. Well done to the Prosecution and investigation team.
